Reform tax system so everyone pays fair share

The Neighborhood Enterprise Zone property tax abatement legislation was hidden from public view, going through the Michigan Legislature and apparently has the support of all Genesee County representatives.

When the University Park Estates was built up some 10 years ago, a 10-year property tax abatement was given. This abatement now apparently will be renewed for 15 years. Why should some few, who live in fairly wealthy homes, get such a property tax break, while the rest of us never had any such gift?

We already have in Michigan $35 billion a year in tax exemptions. We need a reformed tax system in which there are no free riders. We need to stop playing the politics of favoritism with the tax code. Everyone should pay his or her fair share, especially the wealthy who can afford it.